Animals In Disaster Digest

by Cindy Becker

An AP story on Friday says rescue crews press on, with 600 volunteers and 50 dog teams searching for survivors across the city again today.  Here’s a quick video of the rescue. Good boy, Javier!

Just as residents are starting to give up hope that some of the missing will be found alive, Javier made his happy discovery. Javier’s trainer told KABC he never gives up hope in these situations.

We search as best we can for news about disasters; however, we encourage you, dear readers, to help us help the public. If you find articles or other information related to this event, we encourage you to share that information by leaving a comment below.

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Miscellaneous News:

Veterinary relief under way in deadly tornado's wake. Source

Adoptable animals sheltered in Joplin are being transferred to Springfield, Missouri to open up space for rescued animals. Source

Amber Alert for Pets will issue free lost pet alerts for families who have lost a pet in the area affected by the tornado. 

Another Facebook page for lost and found pets: "Joplin Missouri Pets Lost/Found"

Ferret Emergency Response, Rescue and Evacuation Team (F.E.R.R.E.T.) Reaches Out to Aid Ferrets and Owners Affected By Recent Disasters. Source

People and organizations across the country are helping the animal tornado victims in Joplin:

Southern Hills Veterinary Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma Vet Clinic is taking donations to help Joplin pets. Source

Small Animal Hospital of Owasso, Oklahoma also is collecting donations of dog crates, cat litter and boxes, blankets, leashes and pet foods. Donations can be dropped off at 12500 E. 86th Street North, No. 105. Source

Columbia, Missouri: Organizations hold drives for Joplin animals. Source 

The Animal Shelter of Texas County is collecting donations to assist displaced pets. Shelter manager Marsha Martin said there was a need for puppy chow, pet crates, blankets, towels and bottled water. Those able to assist can drop off items at the shelter or call 417-967-0700. Source

Search and Rescue

There are many heroes who work tirelessly in rescue efforts following a disaster. Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation goes out to search and rescue dogs, the four-legged heroes who go where humans cannot, and whose sense of smell and direction saves lives, and finds those victims who did not survive.

Photo: Parrish Evans calls to his rescue dog, Jody, as he searches for bodies at Greenbriar Retirement Home in Joplin.

Photo: Kathleen Kelsey, a canine rescue specialist with the Missouri Task Force One search-and-rescue team, guides a live-find dog named ChicoDog through the wreckage of a public housing complex in Joplin, Mo., Monday. A destructive tornado swept through Joplin on Sunday evening, killing at least 116 and injuring hundreds more.

Video: Oklahoma's K-9 Task Force Helps Out in Joplin.

Collinsville K9 Officer and his search dog Asko are assisting Joplin rescue efforts. Story with video 

Lake of the Ozarks, Mo: Members of the Osage Beach search and Rescue team, including Kita, a German Shepherd, have been deployed to Joplin. Camden County Sheriff's Office, including one animal control officer, are on standby.
Source